ldiers at the mention
of the wagons, and the Frenchmen joined in as soon as one of the others
demonstrated by signs eked out by one or two words what the laughter was
about.

"I dare say," remarked the Corporal, grinning. "I dare say it did upset
them a bit. We got enough food to last us a week, four German rifles,
two hundred rounds of ammunition, and had the best bonfire since Guy
Fawkes Day. And I fancy we shall upset them worse than that before we've
done, lad, if only we can get hold of some more food. We're starving,
and that's the long and short of it."

His comrades murmured assent, and certainly they all, including the
Frenchmen, looked wolfish enough. Max and Dale had a little food with
them, and this they promptly brought out and handed round. It provided
about two mouthfuls for each of the band, but was accepted and disposed
of with eager alacrity.

"Can't you purchase food from the peasants?" asked Max in some surprise.

"We did while our money lasted, though it was risky enough. Now we have
to beg it of the people, and what with that and the fear they are in
from the Germans if they give us any help, we fare badly. If you can get
us a good square meal apiece we shall be more grateful to you than we
are for warning us against the Uhlans. We don't fear them half as much
as we do starvation."

"We have money and will get you food, but not here. You must get ready
for a forced march of a dozen miles across the railway between Recogne
and Bastogne. The Uhlans are assembling all round the loop made by the
railway and the Ourthe."

The corporal--his name was Shaw--consulted with his comrades for a
moment or two, and then replied:

"All right, lad. You seem straight enough, and we will make tracks as
you suggest. If you speak French, tell these Frenchies here what's
afoot, and ask them if they're game for another spree. We are not going
to cross a railway without leaving a memento or two of our visit, I can
tell you."

Max in a few words explained the situation to the Frenchmen. Though they
hailed from all parts of France, he had no difficulty in making himself
understood, and they eagerly fell in with the plan already agreed upon
by their English comrades. This accomplished, Max and Dale put
themselves at the head of the band, more in virtue of their knowledge of
the language of the country than of their powers as guides, and in
single file and very cautiously they set out.

Max was agreeably surprise